Now that the calender has turned to April, I am going to try to do a new mock once a week(if time permits) until the draft. I am not participating in the Texans Talk Mock so I have that time available to me.

1. Keenan Allen, WR, California, 6'2, 206lbs, 4.49
I think he drops on draft day. Patterson is a big raw target with size and speed, Austin, is a ridiculously fast slot receiver with potential td ability everytime he gets his hands on the ball, and Hunter is big with speed. Allen, due to a knee injury, falls behind them to the end of the first. That said, he could be the best of the bunch. 61 receptions for 737 yards and six touchdowns in 2012. In 2011 he has 98 passes for 1,342 yards and six touchdowns. In 2010 he had 490 yards and five touchdowns. His 2012 stats were hampered by the inability of his QB and injury. Allen immediately steps into the #2 WR slot and has a good chance to become the #1 when AJ cannot fill that role anymore.

2. Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss, 6'3, 250lbs, 4.64
Texans could use another OLB and Collins would be a great fit. He had 92 tackles with 10 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, 5 passes batted and 4 forced fumbles in 2012. In 2011 he had 98 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 8 passes broken up, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. He is strong against the run, can generate sacks, and also has a knack for making plays with his hands. He would fit very well into the rotation with Reed and Mercilus.

3. Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech, 6'2, 217lbs, 4.52
I am going to go for it and swing for the fences. He may not be available here, but if so, I can going to take a chance on him. He is a big play WR despite some character issues. Put him in a locker-room with AJ, Watt, and now Reed and he should be able to keep out of trouble. This is a great WR class and I am going to take advantage by grabbing a second one.

3.Barrett Jones, G/C/OT, Alabama, 6'4, 306,lbs, 5.20
A very intelligent versatile OL that could play all 5 spots on the Texans line. He started 4 years on the Alabama line and played 4 different positions. As a rook he played RG, sophomore LG, Junior LT, and C as a Senior. Jones played where the team needed him and he played flawlessly at each position. He is recovering from surgery and could be ready to go somewhere between OTAs and Camp. A very intelligent guy who graduated from Alabama in 3 years. Then stuck around and earned his master's degree in a year. He brings immediate depth to all 5 positions but depending on Newton's recovery may be able to compete right away for the RT spot.

4. Cooper Taylor, S/ILB Richmond, 6'5, 235lbs, 4.69
A massive safety at 6'5. He has good lateral movement, is a strong tackler, and hands. In 2012 he had 77 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 9 passes broken up, 3 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions in 2012. When I see this, it suggests to me he would make a fantastic ILB next to Cush. If he could put on 5 lbs of muscle without losing too much speed, he would be great. He would be a tackling machine next to Cush, have the lateral movement to get to the edge, and strong/fast enough to deal with the TEs coming over the middle. I see him operating as a roaming ILB a step or two behind Cush on the Strong side.

5.Montori Hughes, NT, Tennessee-Martin, 6'4, 329lbs, 5.29
The Texans will start the season with Mitchell as the NT and will probably sign a cheap vet to backup. However, in this spot, I would take Hughes. Yes, he had some character issues, but I could not really find too many details. All I could find was some academic issues. He is a superb athlete for a man his size. In 2012 he had 77 tackles, with 5 tackles for a loss, 9 passes broken up, 3 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions. The talent is there. He adds a dimension to the team they don't have. In the 5th round, I'll take a chance on him.

6.Brandan Bishop, S, N.C. State, 6'2, 205lbs, 4.60
Stuck in David Amerson's shadow and played more of a SS role. A sleeper prospect at FS and a good pupil to learn under Ed Reed. 103 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 7 passes broken up, and 3 interceptions in 2012. In 2011 he had 89 tackles, 5 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. He has good tackling skills, size, and hands. A great pupil to learn under Ed Reed.

6.Cameron Marshall, RB, Arizona State, 5'11, 223, 4.57
ASU uses a running back by committee approach in 2012. Thus he has lots of tread left on the tires. 583 yards, 9 touchdowns, and a 4.3 ypc average. In 2011 he had 1,050 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 4.6 yards per carry. In 2010 he had 787 yards rushing, 9 touchdowns, and a nice 5.2 ypc average. ASU doesn't throw the ball to the receivers much, but he has shown an ability to be a target. In 3 years he had 55 receptions for 459 yards and 1 touchdown. He would be a great insurance policy for Ben Tate and could become the #2 next year after Tate departs the team.

7. Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri, 6'5, 300lbs, 5.25
This is a pick that may not pay off this year but has the capacity to be huge down the line. He was the starting LT in 2008 as a freshman and was an All Big XII honorable mention. He was an All-Big XII honorable mention at left tackle in 2009 and 2010. In 2010 he had his best season as the blind side protector for Blaine Gabbert. In one of the biggest games of the year he completely shutout Adrian Clayborn. Big things were expected and he was touted as a posisble first rounder. Unfortunately for him he ruptured his pateller tendon in 2011 and was gone for the whole season. he received a medical red shirt and came back in 2012. He ended up with an MCL injury that kept him out 3 games. He may need to be on IR the whole season, but if he can come back to where he was prior to the pateller injury, you are looking at the new RT of the future. He is worth the risk here in the 7th round.

I would only replace Bishop with Dexter McCoil, another big safety like Taylor.

He has deceptive speed that doesn't show on the track, but applies to the football field well.
Excellent ball skills (18 INTs and 25 PBUs in his career at Tulsa.)
Long limb and built like Megatron.

McCoil is a great prospect. As you said he has excellent ball skills. He can tackle and can be a menace in the middle of the field. He is good size 6'4 218 and runs a supposed 4.62(haven't seen if official or projection). Personally I have not seen him play, so I am going off reports. If, what is said is true, I cannot imagine him being available at the bottom of the 6th round. A safety with size, hands, and good speed shouldn't get out of the third round at worst.

If he was available in the 6th would I take him: absolutely. I just don't see him getting out of the third. If I had the choice between McCoil and Jones, I take Jones. He offers too much upside and can play more positions.

I like this draft a lot, but I don't think Da'Rick falls into the 3rd. He just has too much talent. Someone will take him in the second.

Its possible. He likely goes somewhere between mid second-4th round. He has also had multiple failed drug tests and got kicked out of Tennessee. So he will be enrolled in the substance abuse program the second he signs with an NFL team. We have seen players drop due to drug related or red flag issues. Remember Vontaze Burfict last year. Once thought of as a top 5 player, his stock plummeted. He had numerous off the field issues, didn't play as well as thought, and failed at least 1 drug test. He ended up getting undrafted. I am not saying that Rogers will be undrafted, but if Burfict did, there is a solid chance Rogers is still there in the 3rd.

I've talked about McCoil in the safety thread in the College Football Forum.
He played very well from the tapes I've been able to watch

There's another great one that has been way underrated.
Cody Davis from Texas Tech.
He's not as big as Taylor or McCoil, but at 6'2, his measurables from his pro day are outstanding.

Excellent tackler.
I would take Taylor, McCoil, or Davis over Kenny Vaccaro.
They all have great production numbers which you can adjust for the competition (but Davis played in the big 12 just the same as Vaccaro.)

Great mock, but I'd swap out Rodgers for something else. I don't think he will be there in the late 3rd, and I don't see the point of getting him if Allen drops to our 1st. Would much rather see a DE, NT, ILB or even another OLB. If you think Cooper can play the Joker S spot that Quin vacated, then why not get an ILB that can be a full-time ILB? Our front 7 is very thin at the moment, and we could use some more talented depth there.

__________________
Life is too important to be taken seriously. -Oscar Wilde

I like this draft a lot, but I don't think Da'Rick falls into the 3rd. He just has too much talent. Someone will take him in the second.

I think so too .... In my opinion he's the best talent at the WR spot in the draft. He cost himself a lot of $$ smoking pot at Tenn. But from what Ive seen and heard , he's taken responsibility for that mistake and moved on with his life , interviews on the subject dont sound rehearsed and seem genuine.

I'd like to be a fly on the wall during his interviews .... I think that will have a lot to do with where he lands.

Now that the calender has turned to April, I am going to try to do a new mock once a week(if time permits) until the draft. I am not participating in the Texans Talk Mock so I have that time available to me.

1. Keenan Allen, WR, California, 6'2, 206lbs, 4.49
I think he drops on draft day. Patterson is a big raw target with size and speed, Austin, is a ridiculously fast slot receiver with potential td ability everytime he gets his hands on the ball, and Hunter is big with speed. Allen, due to a knee injury, falls behind them to the end of the first. That said, he could be the best of the bunch. 61 receptions for 737 yards and six touchdowns in 2012. In 2011 he has 98 passes for 1,342 yards and six touchdowns. In 2010 he had 490 yards and five touchdowns. His 2012 stats were hampered by the inability of his QB and injury. Allen immediately steps into the #2 WR slot and has a good chance to become the #1 when AJ cannot fill that role anymore.

2. Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss, 6'3, 250lbs, 4.64
Texans could use another OLB and Collins would be a great fit. He had 92 tackles with 10 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, 5 passes batted and 4 forced fumbles in 2012. In 2011 he had 98 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 8 passes broken up, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. He is strong against the run, can generate sacks, and also has a knack for making plays with his hands. He would fit very well into the rotation with Reed and Mercilus.

3. Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech, 6'2, 217lbs, 4.52
I am going to go for it and swing for the fences. He may not be available here, but if so, I can going to take a chance on him. He is a big play WR despite some character issues. Put him in a locker-room with AJ, Watt, and now Reed and he should be able to keep out of trouble. This is a great WR class and I am going to take advantage by grabbing a second one.

3.Barrett Jones, G/C/OT, Alabama, 6'4, 306,lbs, 5.20
A very intelligent versatile OL that could play all 5 spots on the Texans line. He started 4 years on the Alabama line and played 4 different positions. As a rook he played RG, sophomore LG, Junior LT, and C as a Senior. Jones played where the team needed him and he played flawlessly at each position. He is recovering from surgery and could be ready to go somewhere between OTAs and Camp. A very intelligent guy who graduated from Alabama in 3 years. Then stuck around and earned his master's degree in a year. He brings immediate depth to all 5 positions but depending on Newton's recovery may be able to compete right away for the RT spot.

4. Cooper Taylor, S/ILB Richmond, 6'5, 235lbs, 4.69
A massive safety at 6'5. He has good lateral movement, is a strong tackler, and hands. In 2012 he had 77 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 9 passes broken up, 3 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions in 2012. When I see this, it suggests to me he would make a fantastic ILB next to Cush. If he could put on 5 lbs of muscle without losing too much speed, he would be great. He would be a tackling machine next to Cush, have the lateral movement to get to the edge, and strong/fast enough to deal with the TEs coming over the middle. I see him operating as a roaming ILB a step or two behind Cush on the Strong side.

5.Montori Hughes, NT, Tennessee-Martin, 6'4, 329lbs, 5.29
The Texans will start the season with Mitchell as the NT and will probably sign a cheap vet to backup. However, in this spot, I would take Hughes. Yes, he had some character issues, but I could not really find too many details. All I could find was some academic issues. He is a superb athlete for a man his size. In 2012 he had 77 tackles, with 5 tackles for a loss, 9 passes broken up, 3 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions. The talent is there. He adds a dimension to the team they don't have. In the 5th round, I'll take a chance on him.

6.Brandan Bishop, S, N.C. State, 6'2, 205lbs, 4.60
Stuck in David Amerson's shadow and played more of a SS role. A sleeper prospect at FS and a good pupil to learn under Ed Reed. 103 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 7 passes broken up, and 3 interceptions in 2012. In 2011 he had 89 tackles, 5 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. He has good tackling skills, size, and hands. A great pupil to learn under Ed Reed.

6.Cameron Marshall, RB, Arizona State, 5'11, 223, 4.57
ASU uses a running back by committee approach in 2012. Thus he has lots of tread left on the tires. 583 yards, 9 touchdowns, and a 4.3 ypc average. In 2011 he had 1,050 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 4.6 yards per carry. In 2010 he had 787 yards rushing, 9 touchdowns, and a nice 5.2 ypc average. ASU doesn't throw the ball to the receivers much, but he has shown an ability to be a target. In 3 years he had 55 receptions for 459 yards and 1 touchdown. He would be a great insurance policy for Ben Tate and could become the #2 next year after Tate departs the team.

7. Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri, 6'5, 300lbs, 5.25
This is a pick that may not pay off this year but has the capacity to be huge down the line. He was the starting LT in 2008 as a freshman and was an All Big XII honorable mention. He was an All-Big XII honorable mention at left tackle in 2009 and 2010. In 2010 he had his best season as the blind side protector for Blaine Gabbert. In one of the biggest games of the year he completely shutout Adrian Clayborn. Big things were expected and he was touted as a posisble first rounder. Unfortunately for him he ruptured his pateller tendon in 2011 and was gone for the whole season. he received a medical red shirt and came back in 2012. He ended up with an MCL injury that kept him out 3 games. He may need to be on IR the whole season, but if he can come back to where he was prior to the pateller injury, you are looking at the new RT of the future. He is worth the risk here in the 7th round.

Haven't done a mock in two months because of question marks #27 so many viable options, so little time to really breakdown film with pro-day, combine & bowl games where applicable but Keenan is excellent choice. He is not Andre but can fill some of his roles on this team thereby reliving some of the pressure & spreading out defenses. Big talent, with good work ethic, just to be fair he too had a brush with marijuana but guess your allowed one strike just not two or three

I've heard from several friends about Collins going to Texans in 2nd. so will have to defer having not seen him play. Pass rusher if not first priority is second or at least third on list so adding one in 2nd makes perfect sense. Could be a great pick.

How did Barrett fall this far, must stop doing time travel thought he was a first rounder heck yeah from value standpoint alone.

Taylor is a freak for sure. High risk high reward player. Give me some more

Mount Montori huh another freaky kinda prospect with off chart intangibles I kinda see where your going with this, have you been dipping into my Barleywine

Down with bringing in a FS for Mr Reed to groom question is sooner than later.

Like RB here to replace loss of Forsett plus inability of Tate to stay healthy. Good size, production for position. nice pick.

Elvis has entered the building. Would be extremely happy if Texans added him this late to be next swing tackle possibly big package blocking TE.

Jones is smart and a realist. He knows that the injury could hurt his draft stock.

"Obviously, that's the first thing that comes to your mind," he said. "You've got to realize you can't control that. I can't control that I was hurt. I just have to focus on the things I can control. That's interview well and doing all the little things right.

"I hope I have a lot of game film, maybe not at center, but at different positions. I feel like I'm intelligent. I know how to study the game well, make very few mental errors. That's what separates me apart."

Again, must we re-quote the entire mock in order to make a comment about it?

Great mock, but I'd swap out Rodgers for something else. I don't think he will be there in the late 3rd, and I don't see the point of getting him if Allen drops to our 1st. Would much rather see a DE, NT, ILB or even another OLB. If you think Cooper can play the Joker S spot that Quin vacated, then why not get an ILB that can be a full-time ILB? Our front 7 is very thin at the moment, and we could use some more talented depth there.

In my mind its a question of value. As a third rounder, if available, Rogers presents excellent value. He can be brought along slowly and given time to adjust to the league and the demands placed upon him.

Moreover, Rogers is a playmaker. As we are seeing with rule changes, this is becoming a passing league. What if the Texans decided to go with a 3 WR set as shown below...

In this formation, Schaub has 5 legit passing targets: AJ, OD, Allen, Rogers, and Foster. They could run double stack plays where they have Johnson and Rogers run so that one is deep and the other one is intermediate (same from Allen and Daniels). This would cause the safties problems as it would be much harder to determine where to go. The safety would also have to be wary of a draw play where Foster comes up clean through the middle.

Or, if they want to really drive the defenses nuts, they put OD on the bench and have 4 WRs and Foster as targets.

I think so too .... In my opinion he's the best talent at the WR spot in the draft. He cost himself a lot of $$ smoking pot at Tenn. But from what Ive seen and heard , he's taken responsibility for that mistake and moved on with his life , interviews on the subject dont sound rehearsed and seem genuine.

I'd like to be a fly on the wall during his interviews .... I think that will have a lot to do with where he lands.

Overall I like the entire mock.

He pretty much has to convince the teams he is done with drug related issues and is able to stop smoking grass. He has to be sincere and contrite about the situation and accept responsibility. He has to show growth(not of grass) but of character. If he can do all those things, he will be a second rounder. If he can't, he may well slip well into the third.

Haven't done a mock in two months because of question marks #27 so many viable options, so little time to really breakdown film with pro-day, combine & bowl games where applicable but Keenan is excellent choice. He is not Andre but can fill some of his roles on this team thereby reliving some of the pressure & spreading out defenses. Big talent, with good work ethic, just to be fair he too had a brush with marijuana but guess your allowed one strike just not two or three

I've heard from several friends about Collins going to Texans in 2nd. so will have to defer having not seen him play. Pass rusher if not first priority is second or at least third on list so adding one in 2nd makes perfect sense. Could be a great pick.

How did Barrett fall this far, must stop doing time travel thought he was a first rounder heck yeah from value standpoint alone.

Taylor is a freak for sure. High risk high reward player. Give me some more

Mount Montori huh another freaky kinda prospect with off chart intangibles I kinda see where your going with this, have you been dipping into my Barleywine

Down with bringing in a FS for Mr Reed to groom question is sooner than later.

Like RB here to replace loss of Forsett plus inability of Tate to stay healthy. Good size, production for position. nice pick.

Elvis has entered the building. Would be extremely happy if Texans added him this late to be next swing tackle possibly big package blocking TE.

Another quality doppelbock mock,

BL

I really feel this is turning out like the 2009 draft. In that one, everyone was convinced the Texans would take a LB and they did. The only question was which one: Cush, Matthews III, Malaluga, or Lauranitis. I think the same thing is shaping up here. I think its going to be a WR, just not sure which one. We may even see a trade down and then taking a WR. Would not rule that one out.

What I like about Collins is he is a high motor guy. Wade loves those kind of guys in his defense. He keeps working even if he doesn't get to the QBs. Also, notice the pass deflections, passes broken up, fumbles, and int. He gets his hands up and causes damage. he would fit right in with JJ on the D.

One of the problems with Barrett was that he played 4 spots on the OL. While that seems like a good thing, some coaches think that if you are really that good, why are you moving around. It also asks where is he best suited? As such he was looking like a mid 2nd rounder prior to his injury. Post injury he drops into the 3rd simply due to injury scares.

I think you are right, he is a high risk high reward guy. But at this point, its important to think outside the box. At worst he is a super ST player. Quite frankly if he displaces Keo I may have to do the old school Balki Bartokomas(sp) dance of joy!

Its time the Texans get some beef up in the NT spot. Not just beef, but Prime Rib. This guy can move and is not a slouch. Yes, he has some disciplinary problems, but they seem to be fairly benign. A big athletic guy like him, next to Watt and Collins makes a fearsome pass swatting group!

This draft has lots of potential FS possibilities. I picked Bishop, but in all honesty a number of players would be great here.

Gotta go with a RB. With Forsett gone and Tate having a history of being nicked up, its important to have a guy who can play. I also would not be surprised if Kubes brought in a RB or two as an UDFA for the practice squad.

I feel bad for the guy. A couple of seasons ago, he was being talked about as a 2nd rounder with possibility for the first with a good season. Unfortunately 2 injury filled years later and he is now looking at possible UDFA status. If I had to, I would even consider him in the 6th and take another RB in the 7th. I think he has too much potential to not take a chance in the 7th or 6th if needbe.